Toyota marks the next evolution of Prius
with the world debut of Prius v at the North American International Auto
Show. Due for market launch in the USA this summer, it is a full hybrid
MPV-style model designed to bring the benefits of Toyota’s world-leading
Hybrid Synergy to Drive to a new market segment.

Prius v – v for versatility – uses the
same platform and full hybrid powertrain as the current generation Prius
hatchback, with a more flexible design to meet the needs of growing
families with active lifestyles. Featuring a spacious interior within a
compact exterior, it offers more than 50 per cent more interior cargo
space than its sister model.

Toyota has achieved a successful
balance between spaciousness, refined style and smooth aerodynamics:
Prius v has a low, 0.29 coefficient of drag, which has been achieved
without compromising its convenient packaging. Its design is new from
the ground up, with a shape that has evolved from Prius, rather than
simply being an elongated version of the existing car.

The exterior styling is sleek, rounded
and bold, with an extended roofline that allows the vehicle to retain
Prius’s symbolic triangular silhouette. The trapezoidal front-end
treatment features sharp-edged headlamps, wind-slipping aero corners and
an enlarged lower air intake for improved aerodynamics and cooling. The
rear styling is highlighted by a smart tailgate and a roof spoiler
designed to improve the flow of air away from the back of the vehicle.

Inside the cabin design is spacious and
flexible to meet the demands of modern active families. A high seating
position supports overall comfort and good visibility, with ample
headroom and an impressive 965mm couple distance that delivers good
legroom for rear seat passengers.

The low- wide-opening rear hatch allows
for easy loading, with 970 litres of loadspace behind the rear seats –
more space than in some compact SUV models.

The second row seats have slide
adjustment, making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle, and can
be reclined through 45 degrees. The 60:40 split-folding function adds to
the flexibility of the interior, while the front passenger seat can also
be folded flat to allow longer items to be carried.

Prius v will be available with a new
Toyota-developed resin panoramic sunroof that marks an 18kg weight
saving compared to glass roofs of the same size, while giving excellent
heat insulation performance.

In spite of its size, Prius is expected
to achieve the best fuel efficiency of any SUV, crossover or estate on
the US market and produce 66 per cent fewer smog-forming emissions than
the average US new vehicle.

Prius v will be one of the first Toyota
models to offer a new multimedia system that links with the owner’s
mobile phone to give enhanced, integrated and wireless upgradeable
navigation entertainment and information services.

Bob Carter, Toyota Division Group Vice
President and General Manager, said: “Prius v is an all-new dedicated
hybrid vehicle, and all future Prius family members will be as well.
They will share common Prius attributes, but will be unique, with a
special appeal to different buyers.”

Prius v is joined on the Toyota stand
at Detroit by Prius c, a concept city car designed and engineered for
outstanding fuel efficiency in a compact package, and Prius Plug-in
Hybrid.